P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen took his first dry weather Formula 1 grand prix win in five months in Qatar as a big penalty for Lando Norris allowed Ferrari to close the gap to McLaren and keep the constructors’ championship fight open until the finale
Max Verstappen clinched his first dry weather Formula 1 grand prix victory in five months at the Qatar Grand Prix, benefiting from a hefty penalty on Lando Norris, which helped Ferrari close in on McLaren in the constructors’ championship battle, keeping it alive until the season finale. Verstappen overtook George Russell and Norris at the start after losing pole position due to a penalty. A series of dramatic events, including yellow flag incidents, safety cars, and penalties, caused a shuffle in the race order. Norris’s penalty for failing to slow down for yellow flags resulted in a significant drop in position. Charles Leclerc finished second for Ferrari, with Oscar Piastri in third after a chaotic race filled with incidents and penalties. Sergio Perez’s retirement due to a mechanical issue ended Red Bull’s hopes in the constructors’ championship race, leaving McLaren with a 21-point lead heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi. Lewis Hamilton endured a tough race, finishing in 12th place after multiple setbacks, including a false start and a puncture.
